A polymath (“having learned much”) is one who has accumulated significant knowledge spanning many disciplines, subject matters, languages, and philosophies. From ancient times to today, polymaths are known to adeptly integrate their vast knowledge and learned philosophy toward identifying simple solutions that solve the most complex and seemingly ‘impossible’ problems. Polymaths throughout history have oft turned to geometry as a Universal language and, therefore, the basis of all learning, thus seeing beyond the narrow Aristotelian definition of mathematics as merely ‘the science of quantity’. They realized that geometry possesses a certain dimensionless quality that transcends units of measure within the elegant simplicity of ratio-informing philosophy.
From Pythagoras to Plato and from Leonardo Da Vinci to Benjamin Franklin, polymathic solutions, discoveries, and inventions have formed the foundational curriculum of human learning and awareness, crossing science, art, philosophy, new governance models, and spirituality. A critical aspect of this method of learning is to continually subject oneself to entirely new ways of perceiving complexity altogether. This approach requires empathy and the ability to perceive as another perceives. It further requires synchronization between the left brain (logos) and the right brain (pathos), an ability well-known to polymaths. Anciently, philosophers were so named as a result of their polymathic endeavors and achievements. ‘Philosopher’ was an almost mythical status achieved as a result of a lifetime of both traditional and esoteric pursuits, learnings, and diverse perspectives. Philosophers born of polymathic pursuit have always been the lightning rod catalyst of the various Ages of Enlightenment throughout history. And yet, today’s educational system seems to have lost its way, abandoning its polymathic roots in favor of fragmented specialized learning. The accumulation of unintended consequences of decades of specialized solutions continues to have a deleterious impact on a world population ill-equipped to adequately address these ever-evolving and unpredictable challenges. In fact, it is becoming increasingly evident that more societal specialization is only resulting in even more complexity, not less.
However, there is hope for a new approach. A ratio-based geometric unification exists for all learning and problem-solving, and this knowledge can be collaboratively applied to address today’s increasing complexity and the most vexing challenges facing humanity. It is my hope that this broader approach will usher in an Aquarian Enlightenment of greater empathy and deeper learning while fostering greater collaboration at this critical juncture in the human story.
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